Moremi Accommodation | Private Camps

Camp Xakanaxa

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The Best of Both Worlds: Land and Water at Camp Xakanaxa

Camp Xakanaxa (pronounced Ka-ka-na-ka) is a legend in the Botswana safari world. It was one of the very first camps established in the Okavango Delta, and it secured what is arguably the finest location in the entire Moremi Game Reserve.

Situated on the banks of the Khwai River where it meets the Xakanaxa Lagoon, the camp sits at the nexus of two worlds. To the east lie the ancient Mopane forests and floodplains of the Moremi Tongue; to the west, the deep, permanent channels of the Okavango Delta.

This unique geography makes Camp Xakanaxa one of the few places in Botswana that can offer a truly balanced, year-round land and water safari. You do not have to choose between a game drive and a boat cruise here; you do both, often in the same day. It is a camp that captures the essence of the classic African safari—canvas tents, big game, and the timeless flow of the river.

Top 3 Reasons to Visit Camp Xakanaxa

• Year-Round Land & Water Safaris: Unlike many Delta camps that are either “wet” (water-only) or “dry” (land-only), Xakanaxa offers guaranteed boating and game drives in every season, thanks to its location on permanent deep water and solid landmass.
• Prime Moremi Location: The Xakanaxa region is world-famous for its density of game. It is a hotspot for leopard, lion, and large herds of elephant and buffalo, ensuring high-quality sightings often just minutes from camp.
• Authentic Tented Luxury: The camp retains the soul of the early explorers. Staying in a Meru-style canvas tent on the edge of the lagoon connects you to the sounds of the night—hippos grunting and hyenas calling—without sacrificing comfort.

Accommodation: Classic Canvas on the Riverbank

Camp Xakanaxa embraces the “old school” safari aesthetic but refines it with modern luxury. The camp accommodates just 24 guests, maintaining an intimate and personalized atmosphere.

The Meru-Style Tents The 12 luxury safari tents are set on raised wooden platforms along the fringe of the lagoon.

• Design: These are classic Meru tents—spacious canvas structures with high roofs and large mesh windows. They are unpretentious yet elegant, furnished with rich timber and African textiles.
• Facilities: Each tent features an en-suite bathroom with a shower, hand basin, and flush toilet. While there is no air-conditioning (to maintain the eco-footprint), powerful fans keep the rooms cool.
• The Views: Every tent has a private viewing deck with comfortable loungers. It is the perfect spot to watch an elephant wading through the reeds or a Fish Eagle hunting in the lagoon right in front of your room.

The Family Tent For families, there is a dedicated two-bedroom family tent. It features two en-suite bedrooms connected by a short boardwalk, ensuring parents and children have their own space while remaining close.

Main Lodge Area The main buildings are built of thatch and timber, elevated on decks that extend over the Khwai River.

• Dining & Lounging: The open-sided lounge and dining areas offer panoramic views of the water. An expansive sundeck surrounds a large swimming pool—a welcome luxury during the midday heat.
• The Fire Deck: A sunken fire pit extends right over the river. This is the gathering point for pre-dinner drinks, where guests swap stories under the stars while watching the moonlight reflect off the water.

Safari Activities: A Complete Delta Experience

Because of its unique location, the activity menu at Camp Xakanaxa is diverse and flexible.

Game Drives Explore the Moremi Game Reserve in open 4×4 vehicles. The area surrounding the camp is a mosaic of Mopane forests, open savannah, and floodplains.

• Wildlife: This region is famous for its predators. Leopards are frequently seen in the riverine trees, while packs of Wild Dogs often hunt in the open areas. Herds of Red Lechwe, Tsessebe, and Giraffe are common.
• Birding: The diverse habitat supports over 450 bird species, making game drives a joy for birders as well.

Motorized Boat Safaris Step off the vehicle and onto a boat. The Xakanaxa Lagoon is deep and permanent, allowing for year-round boating.

• The Experience: Explore the winding channels and vast lagoons of the Delta. You’ll navigate past islands of papyrus and reeds, getting close to pods of hippos and basking crocodiles.
• The Perspective: Seeing elephants crossing a channel or drinking at the water's edge from a boat offers a completely different photographic angle and sense of scale.
• Heronries: In the spring and summer months, boat trips can visit the spectacular Gadikwe Heronry, where thousands of storks, herons, and egrets nest.

Best Time to Visit Camp Xakanaxa

Moremi is a year-round destination, but the seasons offer different highlights.

• Dry Season (May to October): This is the peak time for big game viewing. As the interior waterholes dry up, animals are forced to congregate along the Khwai River and Xakanaxa Lagoon. The vegetation is thin, making predators easier to spot.
• Green Season (November to April): The landscape transforms into a lush garden. This is the best time for birding (migrants arrive) and photography (dramatic skies and vibrant colors). It is also the calving season for antelope, which attracts predators.

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Conclusion

Camp Xakanaxa offers the quintessential Botswana experience. It combines the romance of sleeping under canvas with the thrill of exploring one of Africa's most game-rich reserves by both land and water. Whether you are tracking a leopard through the Mopane scrub or drifting past a malachite kingfisher on the lagoon, Xakanaxa delivers the magic of the Moremi in every moment.

Experience the heart of Moremi. Click the “Book Now” button to secure your tent on the lagoon, or select “Ask a Question” to speak with our experts about combining Xakanaxa with a desert camp for a complete Botswana itinerary.